Older Dogs Demand the Comfort of a Squishy Toy
Older dogs have sensitive teeth and as such, it is imperative to take measures to preserve their dental health. Often times, dog toys are made of hard materials that can harm their teeth and gums. Rawhide bones can also chip and wear down an older dog’s teeth.
Pet owners should take careful consideration when picking out dog toys. The best options for aging dogs are plush dog toys. These toys are made with soft, non-toxic materials that are safe for your dog. Remember, veterinary bills are more expensive than dog plush toys.
Caring for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
Whether due to allergies or genes, some dogs have sensitive skin that reacts to both shampoo and food. It’s important to be aware of the safety precautions that will help to keep your dog’s skin healthy. Sometimes a dog’s skin can be affected by poor quality dog foods, and in general, switching to organic dog food will help to improve the condition of the skin. It’s also common that when bathing a dog’s skin will become irritated by certain kinds of dog shampoo. To combat irritable skin, there are special dog shampoos that contain moisturizers.
Without proper care, a dog’s skin can start to flake, become red, dry, and irritated, and even cause them to bite their skin which can lead to infection and other serious health conditions.
Of the different types of dog crates, soft dog crates are the easiest to transport as they fold up into a more compact and manageable size. When Sadie was going to school with me to do therapy dog work her soft dog crate was easily set up in my office. If we needed it for a trip or some other event such as an agility trial it was a cinch to take it down and bring it home.
Even though we don’t use ours outside, soft dog crates can be used outdoors as most have loops for stakes to be driven into the ground to keep them securely in place. Remember, soft dog crates may not be appropriate for new puppies or adult chewers.
Wire dog crates 
come in a variety of sizes and finishes. Some even come with an extra panel to divide the crate making it easier for you to adjust the size as your pup grows. These wire dog crates can also be used when you have multiple dogs as both Sadie and Blu can be in the size that we have if need be, for instance if we’re setting up or tearing down camp and need them to be outside but safely out of the way.
Although not a very attractive piece of living room furniture a wire dog crate provided the containment Sadie needed for six weeks after surgery to repair a ruptured cruciate ligament. It gave her enough room to sprawl out and is more open than other types of crates making it easier to keep an eye on her. It was a long six weeks for everyone but well worth it as she recuperated well and enjoys all of the activities she did before.
Dog crates are an essential for any dog owner. When a dog is crate trained they have a secure safe place all of their own. Dog crates are also easily portable so if you travel you can take their safe place with you making a strange environment less stressful.
When looking at dog crates it is important to get the right size. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around completely and comfortably in their dog crate and should be wide enough for them to lie down and stretch out. They should also be able to sit up without hitting their head on the top. If your dog is still growing make sure the crate will be big enough for them when they reach adulthood.
Dog crates are made of a variety of materials, colors and sizes. It is up to you to decide which one or ones best suits your needs. At our house we have plastic, wire and soft dog crates.
Dog ramps for cars keep you and your pet safer. Lifting a heavy dog or elder dog can be hard on them and hard on your back. “Load Up!” are two of Sadie’s favorite words because she knows she’s going for a ride. With her athleticism it’s easy for her to just jump in the truck but with Blu’s short stature, hip problems and weight he has to find a different way in. He either has to be lifted in or better yet just walk up the dog ramp. He also uses it to get in and out of the house easily and without putting an extra strain on his hips as the steps leading from the back door are too big for him to manage.
Dog ramps for cars are made in a variety of sizes and styles and are relatively lightweight making them easy to move from place to place and take with you if need be. A dog ramp will enrich your pet’s life by reducing wear and tear on their body and eliminate the risk of injury to you and your dog.
Puppies are curious by their very nature – after all, there are plenty of sights and smells to be explored, even within the dog’s limited environment. Nothing brings out this sense of curiousness like a car trip. From the moment they hop into the backseat, many puppies begin to roam restlessly, checking out the car floor, the back window and even the driver’s lap.
It goes without saying that driver distractions can end up in dangerous – even fatal – accidents. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave your furry, energetic passenger at home. Dog booster seats provide your pet with a commanding view out the back window and keep him out of your hair while you focus on the road.
Your dog needs a good night’s sleep the same as you do in order to face the day feeling rested and ready to go. Not sleeping well can lead to other problems such as low energy for your dog diminishing their desire to go for walks, exercise, work or play.
Blu’s hip dysplasia and weight made it a struggle for him to get up and get moving in the mornings. We noticed a big difference in how he got up after getting him an orthopedic dog bed.
Remember that when purchasing a bed to measure your dog and look carefully at each brands sizing as they are not all the same. Just like us dogs sleep in different positions so try to measure your dog in their favorite sleeping position and add 5 inches. If you can’t measure them lying down then add 5 inches to the length of your dog from the base of their neck to the base of the tail. If in doubt, error on the side of getting a bed that is a little too big. After all you want a bed your dog will use, a place of their own where they can be comfortable and feel secure.
Ahhhhhh! Think about how good it feels to fall into bed when you’re sore from a hard day’s work or play. Your dog should feel the same way too, especially if they suffer from the discomfort of joint pain, hip dysplasia or arthritis. Or maybe your dog’s muscles soreness is from a hard day of activity as an active dog athlete or a working dog herding sheep. These are some of the conditions that can be relieved by an orthopedic dog bed. Remember, a dog’s pain and discomfort is the same for them as they are for us.
Orthopedic dog beds are beds specifically designed to provide relief for older dogs, arthritic dogs, and dogs with joint pain, among others. They’re also recommended for younger dogs with hip dysplasia, because it will put less strain on their joints over time. Overweight dogs can also benefit from an orthopedic bed as they offer more padding and less pressure on their joints.
Giving your dog a ride in your vehicle doesn’t have to be an experience fraught with danger and discomfort. If you have dog vehicle barriers, every creature inside the car – from the driver, to the passengers, to the animal – is assured of his/her personal space, and road trips will definitely be smoother and more enjoyable.
An auto pet barrier will keep your furry friend securely at the rear of your vehicle, safely and effectively away from other riders. These clever contraptions are available in an assortment of styles and sizes, catering to canines and vehicles of all shapes and sizes. There’s sure to be one for you and your pet whether you drive a sedan, a mini-van, a full-size van or an SUV.